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By joining the GHHS team of dedicated volunteers, you’ll build strong relationships with other like-minded volunteers, the animal-loving community, and of course, the animals themselves.
Volunteers are integral to the success of GHHS and touch every aspect of our operations. Joining the GHHS volunteer team is fun and easy!
Volunteers can fill a variety of roles, such as guest escorts, dog walkers, feline socializers, cleaning, and thrift store sorters and pricers. You can volunteer in as many areas as you’d like, or focus on one particular job.
Volunteers are asked to commit at least 6 months (2 shifts per month), however we may ask you to return to general orientation if you have not volunteered within the past six months. This ensures volunteers are kept up to date on GHHS procedures. Only those volunteers with ten or more hours in a six-month timeframe will be kept “active”.
By agreeing to volunteer, you understand that GHHS cannot be held responsible for damages of personal property or injuries. This includes but is not limited to animal bites, wear and tear of clothes, vandalism, and all accidents or injuries.
All volunteers under the 19 years of age will be required to provide a parental consent form prior to volunteering.
All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation prior to being hands-on.
Additional training is required for specific jobs and will be discussed at orientation in detail.
Our every day volunteers. Not ordered to complete community service.
Paws For Reading is a reading program designed to enrich the lives of the dogs and cats in our care. Reading to a non-judgmental audience (like animals) has been proven to boost reading skills and confidence. The animals also receive the benefit of socialization and quiet human behavior. Children and adults are invited to read to our animals. Children (6-15 years of age) can participate as long as they are accompanied by a parent. Volunteers (16 years of age and older) can participate without adult supervision.
Paws for Reading will be held every Monday and Tuesday from 10am – 3pm. Families will be able to sign up for an hour time slot (2 families per hour). Reading takes place in our Cat Room (an open roam room) and in front of our outdoor Dog Kennels (weather permitting).
As of 1/1/23, PAWS for Reading is asking for a freewill donation of $1, per person, cash only.
This cost will help offset the cost of paper, ink, chairs and books. We appreciate your support and look forward to reading with you soon!
Students (16+ and older) may volunteer as “P4R Guides” and they will be tasked with completing a volunteer orientation, greeting families, helping them pick out a book and get situated in the correct spot, helping socialize (and reading if needed), answering any general questions and making sure GHHS rules are followed.
There is always something to do at GHHS! These opportunities will be discussed with you in-depth during your interview to find the best match for you.
Yes! Please fill out the Community Service Volunteer Form for more information.
Children (6+) may participate in the Paws For Reading Program.
Youth (13+) may volunteer with their parent/guardian (must be present with child at all times) in most activities except for Dog Handling.
Youth (16+) may volunteer by themselves but must have a Parental Consent Form signed by their parent/guardian.
You must be at least 19 years old, complete at least 8 support hours and pass the Dog Handling Certification Class to become a Dog Handler.
Thank you for your interest in group volunteering! GHHS always has a need for volunteers, and we love organized group efforts.
Groups may volunteer Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm (excluding federal holidays). We unfortunately cannot schedule groups for Saturdays. Groups may volunteer for up to 2 hours.
Due to our small building size, we can only accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Volunteers under 19 years old must have a signed Parental Consent Form. Due to insurance restrictions, we cannot accept volunteers under 16 years old and group volunteers are not allowed to handle the large dogs.
Here’s an idea of what your group may be asked to do:
If you or your group is interested in volunteering, please complete the Group Volunteering Form and return it to Spencer Batcheller -spencer@ghhs.org
Please return the completed form at least 2 weeks prior to your intended volunteer date.
